I don’t grace him with anything more than a don’t even think about it frown—I have no fucking clue who he is. Usually, I make an effort to engage with my employees, even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I don’t know their names or their faces. It’s important. Our success depends on everyone here feeling invested in this firm, and if a kind word or smile from me can help with that, then I’m all for it.

I’m all for it unless they’re mentally undressing my EA, that is.

We enter the lift, everyone else yielding to me, Marlowe and Mark, who trots obediently by my side. I nod my thanks to the person holding the doors for us and settle at the back of the metal box, allowing myself a quick glance at Marlowe. She was here fleetingly for her interview, of course, but it’s always different turning up somewhere for your first day of work.

She’s taking everything in with her quick, darting gaze. I suspect she has no clue she’s the object of both male and female scrutiny, but there’s no question that she stands out. It’s not like I can parade her around—the entire basis of success for this relationship will rest on our discretion—but it doesn’t matter, because the kick I get from knowing that this woman is bound for the executive floor with me, to be my secret little reward whenever I choose, is hot beyond belief.

And I want to remind her of that.

There’s no one behind us. I put a hand on the small of her back and let it slide down until it’s cupping the curve of her arse.

Fucking glorious.

She stiffens and shoots me a quick, alarmed glance that I return with a neutral, professional smile. Nothing to see here, folks, just a horny CEO groping his sexy-as-fuck EA with benefits… because he can.

As soon as we get to the executive floor, Mark scampers off in search of love, validation and treats. He’ll get all three here. I practically drag Marlowe past the bank of desks that house the various administrative roles supporting the management team.

‘This is Marlowe, everyone. I need to go through some urgent paperwork with her—I’ll introduce you properly later.’

Marlowe smiles and gives them an apologetic hi as she trails after me into my office. The wall facing the main area of the executive floor is glass, but it turns translucent or opaque at the flick of a switch and, thank fuck, is currently fully opaque.

I pull her into the room.

Take her bag from her and put it on the floor.

Slam the door shut.

Hit the lock.

Lean back against the door and slide my hands into my pockets.